Interview: 4-Star 2022 California ATH Arlis Boardingham Talks Opening Finals and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
That do-everything offensive, and defensive, talent for Birmingham High School in Arlis Boardingham is getting closer and closer to being that guy for some lucky collegiate program. For the coaches and fanbases, now we wait and see where Boardingham feels that next level fit.
The 6-5, 230-pound, Class of 2022 four-star recruit jumped ahead along the recruiting trail during the abbreviated 2020 California football season getting rough on defenses for 450 yards off 24 receptions with six touchdowns. On defense, Boardingham took down 21 ball carriers with eight tackles for a loss, two sacks, and two QB hurries while batting down three passes and forcing a fumble in just six games. His athletic skills were further put to the test on special teams with four kicks taken back for 148 yards adding a 17-yard punt return.
The offseason has been a rededication to the game for Boardingham with the goal of being an immediate impact player at the collegiate level. With 14 offers down and one official taken to Texas, the recruiting process for Boardingham is still wide open for now.
*Click the link for the May 2021 RNG video interview with Arlis Boardingham
Interview
Arlis, we last got to mix it up back in early May. Over the summer months, how have your workouts gone preparing for your senior campaign?
My workouts have been way harder. I realized that I have to get prepared for college, and that I have to change my workouts to match that. I’ve been working out three times a day to get in the best shape I can be before the season and before I go to college.
What served as that wakeup call?
Going through my schools, seeing what it takes to being on the field and asking questions. During the visit at Texas, I did that as well. I have been asking questions from the schools I have offers from and getting advice.
When the 2021 season gets going for Birmingham, where all will you be lining up?
I will be all over. This will be a year where I will be flexed out a lot. I will mostly be at receiver but also some at tight end. There may be some new ones too. That’s probably what will happened to get different matchup types. On defense, I will probably be at end, linebacker, and safety.
What have you been doing to increase your speed and agility?
Even though it is not track season, I have been on the track. I like getting on track. I have been using bands on my arms, the stationary bike, which has been a key, and doing explosion drills.
With the fundamentals to your game as a receiving target, what have you been working on?
My hand-eye coordination, that was one of the first things I started working on. Coming back from track season, I was a little rusty. That will be big for me this season. There is a great chance I will be double and triple teamed. Ball security, holding the ball, and route running are other key things I have been working on. I wanted to improve my route running from last year. Late in the games, it was different. I’ve been working on my route tree.
For your role on defense, what have you focused on fine-tuning this summer?
Tying in my receiver drills with my defensive end drills, some mechanics are the same. Getting the offensive tackle off of you, you work using hand drills and swiping. I have been working some on my cover skills. That wasn’t the best for me last season; I hadn’t played safety before. I have been doing a lot of defensive end drills.
You got to compete at The Opening Finals against top players from around the country, what was that experience like for you?
It was a great experience. It is always great to see players you may play against in college and the NFL. I thought it was a great experience.
How did the one-on-ones and 7v7 portion of the event go for you?
I think I did pretty good. During the 7v7, I did not drop a pass in both days. My one-on-ones were good, even though it was tough on that slippery field.
Let’s turn to recruiting. Which programs are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Ole Miss and Arizona.
How many offers do you have?
I have 14.
Boardingham’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Boston College, Duke, Fresno State, Kansas, Nevada, Notre Dame, Oregon State, San Diego State, Texas, Utah, and Washington
At which position are most of the programs recruiting you to play?
At tight end and flex.
Did you get to take any visits this summer?
Just one to Texas.
How did the Texas visit turn out?
It was a really good visit. My parents and I liked it. Coach Sark (Steve Sarkisian) and Coach (Jeff) Banks (TE) made sure we were taken care of; I liked that.
What have been your lasting impressions of the facilities and coaching staff at Texas?
I think the coaching staff is good. I liked that they all had vision for their players. They have high standards that have to be met to be on Coach Sarks’ team; I liked that.
Are there any visits coming up for you?
Possibly some unofficial visits, but I haven’t sorted that out yet. I most likely will take some more officials, but I am not sure when. This will be a busy year. I have to talk it over with my parents.
Have you started thinking about a commitment date?
As of right now, I am waiting to see at the end of this month or the start of August, that will give me the best idea when to commit. Most likely it will be at the end of football season.
Arlis, it was great catching up with you again today. I appreciate your time.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Boardingham family; Arlis Boardingham